Two accomplished NFL pass rushers became available when DeMarcus Ware and Julius Peppers were
released to create room under the salary cap in two of the biggest moves at yesterday’s start of
the free-agency signing period.

The Bears cut ties with Peppers, who has 1181/2 sacks in 12 seasons, as part of a series
of moves aimed at improving their defense, including agreeing to a five-year contract with former
Raiders end Lamarr Houston.

The Cowboys let go of Ware and his 117 sacks.

“A decision like this, involving a man who is a cornerstone player in the history of your
franchise, is extremely difficult,” Dallas owner Jerry Jones said. “We were also in very strong
agreement that playing for the Dallas Cowboys would be one of the options we would both be
exploring.”

With the cap rising $10 million to a record $133 million, a crop of players quickly found new
homes as soon as the market officially opened — and offensive linemen were a popular commodity.

Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert and the Dolphins agreed to a five-year contract worth more
than $45 million. He takes over for Jonathan Martin, the offensive tackle at the center of the
Dolphins’ bullying scandal, who was traded to the 49ers yesterday.

Left tackle Jared Veldheer and the Cardinals agreed to a five-year contract worth up to $35
million. Veldheer left the Raiders, who replaced him by giving former Rams lineman Rodger Saffold a
five-year deal. Another left tackle, Eugene Monroe, agreed to a five-year contract to stay with the
Ravens.

Guards switching teams: Zane Beadles was joining the Jaguars from the Broncos, pending a
physical; the Falcons agreed to terms with Jon Asamoah, who left the Chiefs; the Redskins struck a
deal with Shawn Lauvao, who left the Browns. The Redskins also agreed to terms with Cardinals
receiver Andre Roberts and special teams standout Adam Hayward, and they scheduled a visit with
cornerback Corey Graham.

The Jaguars also were busy, including a trade that sent quarterback Blaine Gabbert to the 49ers
for a sixth-round draft pick, and re-signing cornerback Will Blackmon to a two-year deal.

Other players changing teams: kick returner and receiver Dexter McCluster went to the Titans
from the Chiefs; defensive end Arthur Jones joined the Colts from the Ravens; safety Malcolm
Jenkins, a former Ohio State player, agreed to a three-year contract with the Eagles, leaving the
Saints; defensive end Tyson Jackson and defensive tackle Paul Soliai joined the Falcons; defensive
tackle Earl Mitchell left the Texans for the Dolphins; and safety Mike Mitchell, a former Ohio
University player, left the Panthers for the Steelers.